Invisalign vs Braces : Which Is better For You?

Invisalign vs Braces is an age-old question that has been stirring the pot since the introduction of Invisalign in 1999. While exploring the debate, factors such as cost, length of treatment, diet, and comfort all play an important role. Personal preferences in the type of treatment are also a consideration. Michael Sokoloff Orthodontics can help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

Exploring the Invisalign vs Braces Debate

Let’s start with a cost analysis. Although every treatment plan is unique and will therefore have a different pricing structure, we can look at the basics. Looking at the ballpark figures from Colgate, Invisalign can range between $3,500 and $8,000. Traditional braces normally range from $2,500 to $6,000. If cost is your Achilles heel, braces win this round.

Next, let’s consider dietary restrictions. While braces come with an entire list of foods to avoid, Invisalign has no dietary restrictions. Patients remove alignment trays to eat and drink, so the type of food does not affect treatment. With braces, the food restrictions are primarily to avoid damaging the brackets and wires and to make oral hygiene easier. This is an unclear win for Invisalign. The patient rules on this decision.

Oral hygiene is next up. With Invisalign, tray aligners come out for easy oral hygiene. In fact, there is really no difference in your procedure during treatment. You will need to add cleaning the trays to your routine, but that only takes a few minutes. Unfortunately, with braces, dental care is not as simple. Patients need to learn to brush and floss around the wires and brackets. This will take additional time. Improper oral hygiene can lead to increased tooth decay during treatment. There are also special brushes to get under the wires for better cleaning. In the realm of oral hygiene, Invisalign is the clear winner.

The Best Option for You

Treatment duration is comparable for both methods. The baseline is the degree of misalignment that a patient begins with. Minor alignment problems can be corrected in as little as six months. More complex problems may take 12 to 18 months or longer. Although braces can be more aggressively adjusted, the ease and comfort of Invisalign may help determine your choice.

Invisalign is a patient-centered treatment. This means that you will have fewer appointments and will be responsible for switching trays every two weeks. Braces require an orthodontist to perform adjustments, so more in-person time at the office will be necessary.

Invisalign is an almost invisible way to straighten your smile. Braces are more noticeable, although Clear Braces blend with your natural tooth coloration. This decision is totally in the patient’s hands. If appearance is a factor, Invisalign would win. Don’t forget the boost to self-esteem!

 

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The bottom line, after exploring the Invisalign vs Braces debate, is that either treatment method can work for you. As a patient, you will need to determine your expectations for results. Feel free to discuss this with the orthodontist. The ultimate goal of any doctor is to make sure that the patient is happy with both the process and the results.

Set Up Your Consultation Today

Whether you opt for Invisalign or braces, Michael Sokoloff Orthodontics can help. You can begin right now by using our online Contact Form to request your first appointment. Patients may also call our office at 914-690-7628 to speak with our staff. Email questions or appointment requests to securemail@docsokortho.com. Our entire staff is eager to assist you with questions or to arrange your appointment.

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Tags: braces, clear braces, Early Orthodontic Treatment, invisalign, Invisalign vs Braces